Pet Parenting Articles

Do Fireworks Make Your Pet Nervous?

July 4th will be Emma's first fireworks experience, but Natalie is working to make sure it goes off without a hitch.

As you prepare your grand fireworks finale for your July 4th celebration, remember to consider your dog’s reaction to the sparkly, but noisy, big show. The constant loud noise, rumbling and bright lights caused by fireworks can cause extreme stress and anxiety in your pal. This year, give your dog a break. Help relieve his stress by helping him face one of his biggest fears.

Desensitize Since fireworks are only set off a few times a year, your dog never really has time to understand what the loud noise is. One of the best options to preventing stress is to desensitize by allowing him to hear the noises at different volumes and on a regular basis. You can find a video of fireworks or search YouTube for “loud fireworks.” (If you just search for fireworks you may end up desensitizing your dog to Katy Perry instead).

Play the video at a low noise level while playing with your dog and his favorite toy. Continue doing this everyday, making the noise a bit louder each time. If your dog seems to be anxiety-ridden when it gets too loud, turn it back down a little bit and keep going.

Prepare Regardless of if desensitizing works, you still need to prepare your pal for the actual fireworks. Even if he seems to have become desensitized, do not let him outside when fireworks are going off. Rescue groups and shelters have reported that the 4th of July weekend is one of their biggest weeks for animal rescues. A dog’s instinct is to run and hide to get away from the loud noise, so if you let him outside you are only increasing his chances of running away.

If your dog does become anxious, let him choose where he wants to stay for the duration of the fireworks. Don’t force him to listen to the fireworks if he is not ready. That will only make things worse.

If your dog is destructive when fireworks go off, you need to put him somewhere he feels safe. A few days before fireworks begin in your area, play the fireworks noises while he is in his crate or a room he feels safe in. This helps him associate the noise with being in a safe place.

For some added preparation, play with your pal as much as possible before the fireworks start in your area. Take him on a long walk and play a few games of fetch. By getting all his energy out, he’ll most likely be too tired to care.

But don’t coddle him too much when you play. He may begin associating changes in your personality with his fear, which will cause him to become more anxious.

Medicate If your dog’s phobia is so bad that he is still destructive after you’ve tried to desensitize him and prepare him for what’s to come, you may want to ask your vet about medication. There are a number of anti-anxiety medications and sedatives that your dog can take.

However, you don’t want to have to medicate your dog every year. When you go to your vet, talk about other long term solutions to desensitize your pet. We hope everyone can find a way to celebrate Independence Day with your pet.

What are your plans? Do you have any other fireworks advice? Let us know in the comment section below.

ABOUT NATALIE As the PetSafe Brand Marketing Specialist, Natalie manages The Paw Print blog and generates other brand related content including public relations and promotions. Before PetSafe, Natalie worked in the local media covering politics, education, and religion. Natalie’s puppy, Emma, spends almost as much time in the office as she does.

Related Products

Your comment has been successfully submitted and is awaiting moderation.Check back soon!

Thundershirt said on

07/02/2012:

Firework anxiety in dogs is something that has become a big issue for dogs and their owners. This can cause a lot of stress and can be very painful for dogs. We have had a lot of great discussions about dog anxiety on our Facebook page and have received a lot of great tips. We would like to invite you to check out some of the advice on our page or feel free to join in the conversation on our page. Happy reading:) http://www.facebook.com/thundershirt

Roslyn Ayers said on

07/02/2012:

We agree!! Several pet owners may help their pets find comfort in a Thunder Shirt! Thanks for sharing.

How to Help Your Pet Be More Independent | PetSafe said on

07/03/2012:

[...] are you and your pet preparing to spend Independence Day? Be sure to practice good fireworks safety and stay cool! Happy 4th, [...]

Zona Shaw said on

07/03/2012:

We purchased a Thundershirt for our English Pointer. However, because of the way she is “built” (larger chest) (smaller stomach) it did not fit right and therefore it did not work for her. We aer trying benedryl and that quiets her down a little, but we just let her find where she wants to lay down and check on her during the night.

You wouldn’t think a hunting dog would be afraid of fireworks, but stranger things have happened.

Natalie Lester said on

07/05/2012:

That’s great! Different things work for different dogs. It’s fantastic you found what is best for you. Thanks for reading!!